How to Find a New Apartment

Is it time to make a move? Finding a new apartment, especially in a community with many apartment homes, is a challenge, but there are ways to reduce the stress and streamline the process a little. Whether you’re moving into your first apartment or moving to a new one from your current place, there are some sure-fire tips that will help you find the best apartment for your needs.

Make a List

Before you start your search, make a list of the must-have features that your new apartment needs. Whether it’s in-unit laundry, a location near public transit, an onsite fitness center or pet-friendly policies, your list will guide your search.

Set up Search Feeds

Head to your local Craigslist page or other apartment search website, and set up search feeds. You can set up feeds for terms like street name, neighborhood name, nickname, features and more. The more feeds you set up, the more quickly you can hone in on the perfect listing. Also, setting up these search terms will help you quickly weed out those apartments that aren’t even in the geographic area you want to live.

Visit in Person

Use your Internet searches to narrow down your options, but once you have some choices in mind, you’ll need to visit them in person. Drive the neighborhood and see the apartment community in person. While driving to the apartments you flagged on your search, keep your eyes open for other communities you may have overlooked. Some of the best apartment communities may not advertise online, because renters come to fill vacancies almost as soon as they are posted, so this will ensure you’re not missing a true gem.

Be Wary of Scams

Finally, as you search, watch out for scams. If you feel like you’re being rushed through the application process, the listing seems off, or you’re being asked for money upfront without an apartment to tour, then you may be dealing with a scammer. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Finding your next new apartment should be an interesting and exciting time, but it can also be a little stressful. With these tips, you can streamline the search process and find the ideal apartment home in no time.